Page 15 of Forbidden Obsessions

She chews on her lip in stunned silence, looking at me sheepishly. “I don’t know what to say,” she squeaks, averting her eyes to the floor.

“I hope you say yes, but this is a decision you make for yourself,” I tell her gently.

“I’m sorry, Tomas,” she says, squeezing my hands before turning on her heel. She shuts the door softly, leaving me alone on the floor with my erratic thoughts.

Yes, I’m disappointed, but I can’t say I didn’t expect this. It was foolish of me to even think that this was a rational question to ask. I should have waited for James to tell her about Maura. With no chance of salvaging the night, I clean up.

What if she leaves me over this?How could I be so fucking stupid? I considered her saying no, but I never stopped and wondered how we could continue as a couple if she did. Do I go after her? Do I give her space?

As I’m about to bring the remaining items in from the failed dinner, my phone vibrates. After a glance at the screen, I huff a breath and answer.

“Hey, James.” I keep my voice soft, unsure of where Olivia is. I don’t think she’s nearby. As suspicious as she is, I don’t want to take any chances, though.

“Sorry, Tomas. I know it’s late and a weekend,” James says hesitantly.

“No worries. What’s up?” I walk to the edge of the patio, appreciating what little is left of the view.

“I was wondering if you could swing by. Maura had her port placed a couple days ago. We think it may be infected.”

They’repractically family,I remind myself.

“Did you call her oncologist?”

James sighs. “No, and the ER has a three-hour wait. We were hoping you could come look.”

It looks like Olivia may get some space, after all.

“I’ll be there in an hour and a half,” I confirm. James hangs on the line.

“Is Olivia with you? We want to tell her in person.”

“Yes, but Mia and Alexandria are with her, so she’s occupied. I’ll see you soon.” I loathe being an accomplice in this.

“Okay, see you soon.” The line goes silent.

Chapter Six

Olivia

The sound of faint moans stops me dead in my tracks. I tiptoe into the living room. My hand flies to my mouth to stifle a gasp at the sight of Mia on all fours, with Lex so tongue deep in her that I can’t tell which hole.

That poor pool table needs the name and number of a good therapist. I could and should make a run for the bedroom before they realize I’m standing here watching them like a fucking creep.

Despite what’s transpired tonight, Ineedto tell Tomas. Tiptoeing back to the porch, I stop at the ajar door, the sound of Tomas’ quiet tone giving me pause.

“She’s occupied. I’ll see you soon,” he says.

Occupied? Who the fuck is he going to see?Logically, there has to be an explanation. Tomas wouldn’t randomly ask me to marry him, then have some illicit affair after I told him no ten minutes ago. There’s no way.You likely just shattered his heart into a million shards, Olivia. Of course he would.

Luckily, as I sneak back in, Mia and Lex are exactly as I left them. I sprint to the bedroom like my life depends on it, shutting the door softly, when all I want to do is slam it and rip it from its hinges.

The audacity that motherfucker has. The rational part of my mind pleads with me.Be an adult. Confront him. It’s a misunderstanding,it says over and over again. My anxiety? Oh, that bitch is having a field day with this. What if he’s changed his mind about me and he’s going to Vanessa’s? What if he’s been with her the whole time and asked me to marry him out of guilt?

They say if a woman wants someone as mature as her, she needs to date a man seven years older. Tomas has always been the calm, steady anchor compared to me and my tornado of moods. I thought I had finally gotten it right with this one. Evidently not.

His footsteps descend the hall, followed by two surprised squeals and laughter. I dive under the covers in a frenzy, pulling the blankets up and hoping he doesn’t come in here, questioning the fact that I’m sleeping in a goddamn gown.

Soft light filters in from the hallway. I want to open my eyes, yell, and lose my shit. Instead, I try to slow my breathing and give the illusion of sleep. Tomas pads through the room. I feel his piercing eyes burning a hole in my face.

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